Three City Council members will ask to delay a decision on the controversial proposal for new power line towers over Ruby Hill Park when the full council meets Monday.
Councilmen Charlie Brown, Chris Nevitt and Paul Lopez have agreed to continue meeting with a group of stakeholders for six weeks to “consider credible options,” according to a summary of a July 25 meeting obtained through an open records request.
Neighbors around Ruby Hill recoiled at a proposed City Council action that would change the view-plane ordinance at Ruby Hill to allow Xcel Energy to replace existing towers in the park with towers that are 5 feet to 26 feet taller.
Xcel officials have said they need the towers to increase service to residents. Neighbors have sought to burry the lines under the park — a move that would increase the cost of the project by $4.4 million.
After a contentious City Council meeting July 9, Nevitt, Lopez and an aid to Brown have met with neighborhood representatives, Xcel officials and members of Mayor John Hickenooper’s office in closed-door sessions with a mediator.
According to the summary, the group of 23 people will look at a range of options including, forming a general or local improvement district, establishing an energy surcharge or other financing options.
If the full City Council agrees Monday, a decision would be delayed until Sept. 10.
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-954-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
